At least one person has died and dozens have been injured in a boat accident off Hout Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa.

National Sea and Rescue Institute spokesman Craig Lambinon said rescue teams are still searching for three people missing after the charter boat capsized near Duiker Island.

Lambinon says 41 people of different nationalities were onboard when the catamaran Miroshga capsized. The nationality of the deceased is still unknown.

The catamaran capsized off Hout Bay, Cape Town

A member of the boat's crew is understood to be among those missing.

Rescuers found a British woman alive under the hull after she was trapped for two hours. It is believed she survived after finding an air pocket in the hull which kept her alive in water at a temperature of 5C.

"We recovered one person out of the hull, who has been hospitalised in a stable but serious condition," Mr Lambinon said, adding that rescuers were trying to free another two still under the hull.

Rescuers help survivors who were thrown into the water after the accident

It is not yet clear what caused the boat to capsize 3km from Hout Bay on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula.

The area is a popular destination for tourists looking to catch a glimpse of thousands of seals found there.

The Miroshga is understood to be operated by Southern Ambition Marine Safaris which describes itself as a whale watching, dolphin and Seal Island tour operator.

On its website it describes the Miroshga as "a light, fast 11-metre dual-hull powerboat with capacity for 42 people offering luxury and comfort".

It adds: "The close-to-the-water ride appeals to those seeking the ultimate marine experience. It offers the best perspective of the wildlife that graces our coastline and panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula."